From Senior Year to Myles’ First Birthday: Why I’ll Never Truly Put Down the Camera

There are some clients who start off as just names on a schedule and then, before you know it, they become threads woven into the fabric of your life.For me, one of those people is Hanna Cercone.

I first met Hanna in August of 2019, during my very first official year as a photographer. She was one of my very first Four Seasons Seniors which meant I would photograph her throughout her entire senior year. And from that very first session, I was completely taken by her. Not just because she was beautiful (although she is), but because there was something about her that struck me as genuine, grounded, and kind to her core.

She made being behind the camera easy for me. Natural. Effortless. And as I look back now, I realize that her story and the way our paths have continued to cross is one of the biggest reasons I don’t think I’ll ever be able to put my camera down for good.

Senior Year (2019–2020): Where It All Began

Hanna’s senior year didn’t end the way it was supposed to. The class of 2020 faced a kind of loss most seniors couldn’t have imagined. But even with all the curveballs that year threw at us, we made the best of it and Hanna showed up to every single one of her four seasonal sessions with grace, light, and joy.

She was the kind of senior that stuck with me. One who reminded me why I love this job not just for the photos, but for the people.

One of my favorite moments from that year was her prom session — even though prom itself didn’t happen the way it was meant to, we still made sure she had that moment in front of the camera. Her dress, her smile, her spirit it was all magic. That shoot felt like our way of saying: “You still get to celebrate. You still get your moment.”

Bridals & Wedding Day: The Fairytale Come to Life

Years later, I had the privilege of capturing her bridal portraits and let me tell you, she looked like she stepped straight out of a southern fairytale.

And when her wedding day came, it was everything I imagined it would be: full of beauty, love, and those kinds of little moments that make time feel like it’s standing still.

To be the one she chose to capture those memories? That meant the world to me.

Maternity: The Glow of New Life

When Hanna told me she was pregnant, my heart leapt. Watching someone you’ve known since they were a teenager step into motherhood is an emotional experience.

Her maternity session was full of quiet strength. Anticipation. Wonder. She glowed in a way that only an expecting mama can.

Labor & Delivery: The Sacred Space

Then came the moment that still gives me chills: I was there in the delivery room when Hanna brought precious and beautiful Myles into this world.

Let that sink in.

From a senior session to the moment she became a mother I had the privilege of witnessing the whole journey. And I don’t take that lightly.

Being invited into such an intimate space, to document the moment a mother meets her baby for the first time… that’s not just photography. That’s sacred work. And it stays with you.

Newborn & First Birthday: Full Circle

I photographed Myles' newborn session just days after they returned home from the hospital. And now, here we are... his first birthday. One whole trip around the sun.

From the moment he arrived, he’s been surrounded by so much love. And this last session reminded me how fast time moves… and how lucky I am to get to pause it, even if just for a moment.

The Heart Behind the Lens

Photography is not just a job to me.It’s not about lighting, editing, or invoices.It’s about heart. It’s about connection. It’s about showing up again and again for the people who choose me, not just once, but for all their biggest moments.

There is no greater honor than being the person who captures a client’s story across the years. Tears are currently flowing as I type these words because my heart is SO thankful and grateful that i get to be a part of these amazing peoples lives in such a special and intimate way.

And that brings me to someone who deserves a spotlight of her own…

Amanda: The Kind of Mother We All Hope to Be

Amanda, Hanna’s mom, is one of the biggest reasons this bond has lasted.

Amanda is the kind of mother we all hope to be... steady, supportive, warm, and fiercely loyal to her family. She’s not only trusted me to photograph her daughter’s most meaningful milestones… she’s become someone I admire more than I can put into words.

She’s been there every step of the way, showing up, cheering Hanna on, quietly supporting her babies through every milestone and always making sure I felt appreciated, seen, and welcomed like family.

Amanda, if you’re reading this: thank you. You are a true example of what it means to raise strong, kind, beautiful daughters. You’ve left an imprint on me, just like your girls have. Your loyalty, grace, and quiet strength and encouragement are things I’ll never forget witnessing and everything I aspire to be as a woman, wife and MOTHER.

I’m honored to know you and even more honored that you’ve continued to trust me with the people you love most in this world.

Why I’ll Never Truly Quit

This right here, this story ... is why I don’t think I’ll ever be able to put my camera down for good.

The long days, the late nights, the editing marathons, the back pain, the exhaustion it all becomes worth it when I’m reminded of how deeply personal this work really is.

To walk alongside someone from high school to motherhood? That’s not something you can plan. That’s something you feel in your soul.

And for that... I’ll forever be grateful.

XOXO

Sabrina

SG Photography